Abstract: A single or multi-stage process for providing compatible thermoplastic blends of polyphenylene ether resins and polyamide resins is provided by combining such resins with a compatiblizing amount of an agent having in its molecule both acyl-functionality as well as at least one of the following functional groups: carboxylic acid or acid anhydride, acid amide, imido, carboxylic acid ester, amino or hydroxyl group.

Abstract: The adherence of protective and/or decorative paints to polyphenylene ether resins, alone, or combined with high impact strength polystyrene resins, is markedly improved by adding a high impact rubber modified terpolymer resin comprising units of a non-polar aromatic monovinyl compound, e.g., styrene, a polar monovinyl compound, e.g., acrylonitrile, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic anhydride, etc., and a diene rubber, e.g., butadiene.

Abstract: A method for the production of functionalized polyphenylene ether by contacting crude polyphenylene ether with an aqueous base and subsequently adding substituted chlorotriazine such as butyl glycidyl chlorocyanurate or mesityl glycidyl chlorocyanurate.

Abstract: Functionalized polyphenylene ether compositions are provided which are particularly useful for effecting compatibility for a blend of polyphenylene ether resin and a polyamide resin. The functionalized-polyphenylene ether is the reaction product of a polyphenylene ether polymer and a compound having the general formula (i)--Z--(ii), wherein group (i) is a polyphenylene ether-philic moiety such as acyl chloride, group (ii) is a polyamide-philic moiety such as dicarboxylic acid anhydride, and Z is a divalent hydrocarbon radical providing a covalent linkage between groups (i) and (ii). An example of the compound having general formula (i)--Z--(ii) is trimellitic anhydride acid chloride.

Abstract: Functionalized polyphenylene ether compositions are provided which are particularly useful for effecting compatibility for a blend of polyphenylene ether resin and a polyamide resin. The functionalized-polyphenylene ether is the reaction product of a polyphenylene ether polymer and a compound having the general formula (i)--Z--(ii), wherein group (i) is a polyphenylene ether-philic moiety such as acyl chloride, group (ii) is a polyamide-philic moiety such as dicarboxylic acid anhydride, and Z is a divalent hydrocarbon radical providing a covalent linkage between groups (i) and (ii). An example of the compound having general formula (i)--Z--(ii) is trimellitic anhydride acid chloride.

Abstract: Disclosed are thermoplastic compositions of improved mold flow comprising a polyphenylene ether resin and novel rubber modified polystyrenes containing dispersed rubbery particles having a maximum mean diameter of about 2.0 microns and a ratio of the volume average particle size/number average particle size of from not substantially less than 2.00 up to 3.20. Articles molded from the composition have vastly improved surface gloss and ductile impact strength in comparison with conventional polyphenylene/high impact rubber modified polystyrene compositions.

Abstract: Flame retardant poly(alkenyl aromatic) oligomers and lower molecular weight polymers having bromine substituents on the aromatic nucleus are prepared by cationic polymerization from the corresponding brominated monomers, for example, bromostyrene, in an organic solvent, using a Lewis acid catalyst and an aromatic chain transfer agent. The lower molecular weights enable greater tolerance with other thermoplastic polymers, and as a result compatible flame retardant blends with good ductile impact properties are possible.

Abstract: Thermoplastic, flame-resistant copolymers comprised of an alkenyl aromatic compound, a bromine-substituted alkenyl aromatic compound, an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid and a diene rubber are described. The copolymers are prepared by polymerizing the comonomers in solution. The copolymers are admixable with other materials, both polymeric and non-polymeric, and the resulting compositions can be molded into articles of various shapes and sizes which exhibit improved paint adhesion.

Abstract: Acyl modified polyphenylene ether compositions are provided by combining or reacting a polyphenylene ether polymer and a compound which contains both (i) at least one acyl functional group and (ii) at least one group capable of reacting or associating with a polyamide resin, an example of a compound containing both group (i) and group (ii) is trimellitic anhydride acid chloride.

Abstract: Novel polyphenylene ether-polyamide compositions having improved compatibility, elongation and impact properties as well as improved processability are prepared comprising a polyphenylene ether, a polyamide and a property improving amount of an acyl modified polyphenylene ether compatibilization agent. These compositions may further comprise alkenyl aromatic polymer or a rubbery polymer.

Abstract: New forms of polyphenylene ether resin have been discovered that are characterized by two distinct molecular weight distributions as determined by gel permeation chromatography. Two maxima are exhibited, one of which corresponds to a polystyrene equivalent molecular weight greater than 30,000, the other of which is less than 30,000. The polymers, which may be termed "bimodal", have improved melt flow in comparison with conventional (unimodal) polyphenylene ether resins.

Abstract: A process for separating 2-methyl-3-acetoxypropionaldehyde from an isomeric mixture of aldehydes by catalytic decomposition.